The NEVI Program: Federal Funding for EV Charging Infrastructure
Understanding the $7.5 billion NEVI program — how it works, where stations are being built, and what it means for EV drivers.
What is the NEVI Program?
The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Program is a $7.5 billion federal initiative, administered by the U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration, to build a national EV charging network. Here's what you need to know.
How It Works
NEVI funds are distributed to states through a formula based on their share of the national highway system. Each state creates a deployment plan, and the federal government reimburses up to 80% of project costs.
Key Requirements
- Location: Stations must be within 1 mile of Interstate highway exits
- Spacing: Every 50 miles along designated corridors
- Minimum capacity: 4 x 150 kW DC fast chargers per station
- Connector type: CCS1 required (NACS may be added)
- Uptime requirement: 97% minimum availability
- Pricing: Must display per-kWh pricing
Progress So Far
As of 2026, thousands of NEVI-funded stations are operational across all 50 states, tracked in the U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center, with many more in construction. The program has significantly improved charging access along Interstate highways, addressing one of the biggest barriers to EV adoption.
Impact on EV Drivers
NEVI is making long-distance EV travel more practical by ensuring fast chargers are available every 50 miles on major highways. Combined with existing networks like Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America, and ChargePoint, the US charging network is becoming increasingly comprehensive.
Track NEVI station deployments in your state on our state pages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the NEVI program?
NEVI is a $7.5 billion federal initiative to build a national EV charging network. Funds are distributed to states by formula, and the federal government reimburses up to 80% of project costs.
How far apart are NEVI charging stations?
NEVI stations must sit within 1 mile of Interstate highway exits and be spaced every 50 miles along designated corridors.
What are the requirements for NEVI stations?
Each station must have at least four 150 kW DC fast chargers, CCS1 connectors (NACS may be added), 97% minimum uptime, and displayed per-kWh pricing.
How does NEVI help EV drivers?
By ensuring fast chargers are available every 50 miles on major highways, NEVI makes long-distance EV travel more practical alongside existing networks like Tesla Superchargers, Electrify America, and ChargePoint.
Sources
- National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Formula Program — U.S. DOT Federal Highway Administration
- Electric Vehicle Charging Station Locations — U.S. DOE Alternative Fuels Data Center